Stewart Nelson

I was more than a bit envious as I sat with Laura Rubin the Executive Director of the Huron River Watershed Council yesterday. I failed to conceal my outright jealousy as I looked out the window of her office and observed first hand the beauty of the Huron River and Argo Pond, a small part of Laura’s domain, that extends through 7 counties and 67 separate local government agencies. Wow! I have always admired individuals that have dedicated their entire life to some narrow but useful spectrum of life’s opportunities and managed to make an occupation out of an avocation. Laura certainly fits that mold. I imagine that Laura rarely views her daily routine as “work”.

The Huron River evokes many fond childhood memories for me. As a very young child I can recall going to the submerged bridge at the Arb and driving out and washing my father’s car with him. I think it was a 1938 Packard that my father was so proud of. (I wish I still had it!) What a spectacle to see a car “floating” in the river. I know now that washing cars is not the best use of this natural treasure, but it was an accepted practice that smart people later figured out was not sustainable. Most Ann Arborites will not know what I am talking about when I discuss the submerged bridge, but Laura knew exactly what and where it was. It is gone now so don’t try to find it. Later, I spent more hours than you can imagine in high school with my best friend in a canoe with bow and arrow out near Dixboro trying to land the biggest carp in the river only to complain about the slime we got on our hands as we removed the arrows. My friend Peter was so good with the bow that I suspect it has taken till now for the carp population to recover.

Whether you use it or not, as resident of Ann Arbor the Huron River is inextricably linked to our lives and enriches our quality of life even if you only drink it. As individuals we need to become aware that we are only “borrowing” resources like the Huron from nature and if every citizen tried to leave it a little better than they found it, the cycle can continue.